VOL. , NO. APRIL 2004

NEWSCAST REGION FOUR OF THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY

VOL. 48, NO. 2 MARCH 2006

1909 - 2006

Rosalie Yerkes Figge

-American Iris Society- Region 4 Board

Regional Vice President R. Jerry Coates FSK 120 Record Street Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 662-1664 Assistant RVP Carrie Winter CIS 5801 Masters Court Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 542-3812 Immediate Past RVP Ginny Spoon C&P 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 VSpoon@aol.com Secretary June S Hood 11700 Albemarle Rd Charlotte NC 28227 Treasurer Carol Warner FSK 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155 (410) 374-4788 dracott@quis.net Historian Margaret Stone AHIS 229 Crowfield Circle, Lellwisburg, WV 24901 (304)647-4395 mstone@brier.net> Parliamentarian Rosalie Figge FSK 4 Maryland Avenue Towson, MD 21204 (410) 337-9118 Editor NEWSCAST Anita Moran FSK 5351 Rocks Rd Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 452-8828 avmoran1@earthlink.net

Beardless and Species Carol Warner FSK 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155 (410) 374-4788 dracott@quis.net Budget Jack Loving FAIS 10483 Edgehill Lane King George, VA 22485 (540) 775-4043 jrloving@juno.com Judges' Training Dr. E. Roy Epperson ENC 1115 Delk Drive High Point, NC 27262 (336) 883-9677 Median Irises Ginny Spoon C&P 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 Membership Mac Shawe C&P 6405 Fairborn Terrace New Carrollton,MD 20784 Z7Sh-we@erols.com Photography Bill Mull TIS 7112 Fox's Lair Court Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 858-5521 AISslides@aol.com Reblooming Irises Mike Lockatell 500 Pantela Drive Richmond, VA 23235 804-330-2916 CMarti8855@aol.com Robins Libby Cross 8907 Potts Creek Road Covington, VA 24426 (540) 747-2123 LCross@aol.com Conventions Jerry Coates FSK

Youth David Stoll 8119 Martha Street Alexandria, VA 22309-3119 jafool@msn.com Legal Counsel Bill Kuykendall Rte 2, Box 232 Keyser, WV 26726 Webmaster Anita Moran FSK www.irisesregion4.com Auction Dr. Don Spoon C&P 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447

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Region 4 Board 1

Region 4 Affiliates 2

RVP Message 3

From The Editor 4

For Your Information 4

Tribute to Ruth Walker 5

Minutes Executive Board 7

Minutes General Meeting 8

2007 Budget 9

Treasurer’s Report 10

Remembering Rosalie Figge 11

Oregon Trail for Iris 13

Affiliate Reports 19

AIS 2006 Awards 23

Youth Corner 24

Web News 25

Fall Regional Information 26

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS IRIS SOCIETY - MARGARET STONE 229 Crowfield Circle, Lewisburg, WV 24901 (304) 647-4395 CAROLINA MOUNTAINS IRIS SOCIETY - DANEE A. HOOVER 133 Horizon View Drive, Horse Shoe, NC 28742 (828) 891-2847 CENTRAL VIRGINIA IRIS SOCIETY - DAVID L.TRAYLOR 7724 Hickory Road Petersburg, VA 23803-1332 (804) 590-1095 CHARLOTTE IRIS SOCIETY - JUNE HOOD 11700 Albemarle Rd Charlotte NC 28227 CHESAPEAKE & POTOMAC IRIS SOCIETY - DAVID STOLL 8119 Martha Street Alexandria, VA 22309-3119

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA IRIS SOCIETY - MARGARET PEARSON 241 Camping Creek Road, Franklinton, NC 27525-7265 EASTERN SHORE IRIS SOCIETY - ANN DUMLER 901 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801-6301 FRANCIS SCOTT KEY IRIS SOCIETY - DORIS REBERT FSK 152 Leister's Church Rd Westminister, MD 21157 (410) 848-3781

FREDERICKSBURG AREA IRIS SOCIETY - LOIS ROSE PO Box 30, Partlow, VA 22534 540-582-5799 HAMPTON ROADS IRIS SOCIETY - JOANNE HAMM 304 Beacon Road, Portsmouth, VA 23702, (757) 393-4389 VIRGINIA PENINSULA IRIS SOCIETY - NELDA PRESSLY 111 West Kingswood Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185-3248

NEWSCAST is the publication of Region 4, AIS Region 4 is comprised of the states of Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Vir-ginia, and the District of Co-lumbia. NEWSCAST is published Tri-annually. NEWSCAST is free to AIS members in Region 4. Subscrip-tion rate for those not in Region 4 is $5.00 per year. Checks made to Region 4, American Iris Society should be sent to the Region 4 Treasurer. Permission is granted to reprint any material appearing in NEWSCAST provided that proper credit is given. DEADLINES for receipt of NEWSCAST materials by the editor are: March Issue—01 February August Issue—01 July December Issue— 01 November

Region 4 Of the American Iris Society Affiliates

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Words From Our Regional Vice President

The Spring Region IV Convention in Charlotte this May was wonder-ful. Thanks to the Charlotte Iris Society for hosting us. The choice of hotels was great, the gardens were great, the auction was great - all went smoothly. Carrie Winter and her group deserve our gratitude and thanks. The National AIS Convention in Portland. Oregon, was awe-some! Hosted by Region 13, and dubbed, "Reigning Iris," the entire week was filled with activities. Some of the activities did include the putting on and off of Rain Gear and opening and closing of umbrellas, but the gardens more than made up for any "inconvenience" caused by

the continuous drizzles. There were representatives from all 24 Regions as well as several countries including Australia, Czech Republic, England, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, and Switzerland. The gardens included a remarkable diversity, from smaller, intimate gardens to the vast acreage of commercial gardens like Cooley's and Schreiner's. In most cases the bloom was past peak, but the enormous number of cultivars kept everyone's interest. For me personally, I was most fascinated by the big difference in environmental conditions; from the Costal Plane, where irrigation systems were in place, to the Mountain-Side Gardens, which receive 90 inches of rain per year. AT the meetings for Regional RVP's I met a lot of great people and made some new friends. For my Region IV members I learned that you each can benefit more than you proba-bly have been by taking advantage of the "tax-free" status of AIS. Any and all of your dona-tions to AIS are "deductible," on your annual 1040 tax returns. Any time you are assisting with AIS Business, your donations are tax deductible. This includes attending conventions, judges training, etc. Your annual dues are deductible. This applies to the members of AIS, not necessarily all members of our affiliate organizations. According to Tom Gormley, AIS Membership Secretary, Region IV has 452 Members as of June, 2006. This makes us the third largest Region in AIS. Thirty Percent of all memberships are now being renewed through Join/Renew option at WWW.irises.org., the AIS website. I encourage all of you to visit the site and see how easy it is, and encourage others to use the site and join as well. I look forward to seeing most of you at the Region IV & Region III Joint Fall Convention in Gettysburg, October 6th. & 7th.

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From The Editor

This has become a sad task to complete. Since taking over as editor of the Newscast this is the fourth I have done as a memorial. Rosalie was like the grandmother I had lost more than 30 years ago. As you all know I have been in the AIS a very short time so I am probably among the few that know little of the contributions that Rosalie has made to AIS as a whole. All I can tell you are of the contributions she has made in my life. I had not a clue who Rosalie Figge was when I volun-teered to work with Clarence Mahan on the 2003 AIS Na-tional Convention. A little secret, I love auctions and some times got carried away. I could not understand who this little old lady was who kept raising the bids on the new intros I wanted and you know I just had to have. Sanity eventually won out but I managed to get two of the ones I wanted. While waiting for the Awards Banquet, my mother (now 80) and I were sitting on a bench waiting for the doors to open when Rosalie and a friend sat on the opposite benches. We had a great time and I told her I was not happy with her bidding techniques. She laughed and said it was all for the region. That was the last I saw of Rosalie until the first meeting of the Francis Scott Key Iris Society meeting I attended. Well this was pretty cool. Here was a sprit, opinion-ated, funny, knowledgeable woman who was not shy in ex-pressing “The Way, According To Rosalie”. A heart of gold hidden in her sometimes gruff manner attracted me from the start. Rosalie was an active member of the Francis Scott Key Iris Society and did not hold an office just to fill it. Her knowl-edge was vital and her opinions, though no always sought, were given freely, and her suggestion though not always followed were gratefully received. Two years ago was the first summer picnic I attended and was happy to know it was Rosalie’s Birthday. I was finally able to visit Rosalie at her house after she saw an iris I was showing at the regional in Raleigh, North Carolina, to which she had driven some of the way. I delivered BORDEAUX PEARL to her as she had requested. We sat in the back yard while she cleaned iris a friend was digging for the rhizome sale. There were so many interesting plants besides the iris and she knew their names and growth habits. All of which I forgot by the time I was half way home. Rosalie’s passing was a loss to FSK, Region 4 and the American Iris Society, but more importantly it is a severe loss to those of us who knew her even for a short time and was touched by her entry, however small, into our lives.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: A color copy of the March , August, and December Newscast are

available for download only at www.irisregion4.com/Newscast.html Follow the directions for downloading carefully. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file as it is in PDF format, but there is a link near the download area for downloading the viewer. You can also print

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I first met Ruth Walker during the latter part of the iris bloom season in 1984. The farmer who was baling our hay field noticed my small collection of irises. He commented that his daughter also grew irises, and that a friend of hers was starting a local iris society. That friend was Ruth Walker. Ruth and I met, and if you know Ruth, you also know that I joined the iris society. I didn't have much choice. I soon found out that Ruth had offered to have our new, fledgling chapter host a Region 4 Spring Meeting in the spring of 1987. The society needed someplace to plant the guest irises for the conven-tion. Also about that time Ruth visited my garden for the first time and saw an area my husband had plowed up to summer fallow. You guessed it; that area got planted to guest irises. Then Ruth needed someone to chair the convention. You guessed it again; I chaired the convention. I think Ruth Walker could talk anyone into doing any-thing. Over the next few years, Ruth and I visited gardens and attended iris meetings, luncheons, shows, and sales together from Maine to South Carolina. (She had the nerve to go to Louisiana without me.) Be-cause we went to iris functions together so frequently, I was often mistaken for her daughter, an identity I was proud to assume, if only briefly. Ruth lived only two miles from me, and often when I went for my

morning walk, I ended up at Ruth's house, to deliver her iris newsletter (she had obviously talked me into be-ing newsletter editor), to view what was in bloom, or to conduct iris society business. I would call ahead to let her know I was coming, and Ruth would have a cup of coffee ready for me. If I admired a plant in her yard, I would generally be handed the shovel and go home with a piece of it. My garden is a more interesting place, thanks to Ruth. I think Ruth could make anything grow. If Ruth heard that a plant was hard to find, she found it. If Ruth heard that a plant was hard to grow, she grew it. And if it was both hard to find and hard to grow, you can bet it was in Ruth's yard. One day she proudly showed me a tray full of little test tubes in the window of her breakfast room. Each had a little green sprout in it--iris seedlings she was growing from seed she had received in the mail from the Species Iris Group. She gave me one to take home. Mine died. I'm sure all of Ruth's lived. After my husband and I separated in 1991 and I went back to work, I didn't see quite so much of Ruth. But I always knew she was there if I needed her. If she didn't hear from me for a few days she would call to make sure I was alright. When I told her I had overslept and missed my van pool one morning, she offered to start calling me at 4:30 in the morning to make sure I was up, since she would be up to call Nancy anyway. I passed on that one, but it was always good to know my "iris mother," as I called her, was watching out for me.

Tribute to Ruth Walker By Lois Rose

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Ruth was an American Iris Society Master Judge, and in the spring of 2005 she judged her last show for the Chesapeake and Potomac Iris Society. Although she hadn't been as active in the iris society in the last few years, she still called me for a ride whenever she felt up to going to a meeting. But in her early years with the American Iris Society she was a dynamo. When I sent out some e-mail messages to spread the sad news of Ruth's passing to her iris friends, the first person I heard back from was Clarence Mahan, her good friend in northern Virginia, a past President of the American Iris Society, and the person who had helped Ruth organize our local chapter of the AIS. Clarence wrote: "Ruth Walker did more to build Region 4 membership numbers than any other person. She truly loved AIS and Region 4. She was responsible for organizing at least two new AIS affiliates, and assisted in organizing two others. No one worked harder. She recruited hundreds of new AIS members. And I do mean hundreds. "No one loved irises more than Ruth. And no one loved AIS more. She would travel any place to judge an iris show or give a program. She was a won-derfully talented and extraordinarily kind woman. Suky, our daughter Christiane, and I loved her and ad-mired her. And we are going to miss her. The Region and AIS has suffered a great loss. --Clarence" Clarence was right. She recruited hundreds of new AIS members. I was only one of them. I can remember one time when Ruth signed up the chef at a hotel where an AIS function was being held. She never missed an op-portunity to recruit a new member! Clarence also wrote that one of his fondest memories of Ruth is her story, which she often told iris groups, about joining AIS and being listed as belonging to "Chapter Inactive." After she got the Fredericksburg Chapter up and running again, she said that she hated it when she had read "Chapter Inactive" after her name, and she was resolute that those words would never again be next to her name. Clarence's closing remarks summed up the essence of Ruth better than I can, so once again I quote: "Ruth was a mighty force for good in this world. She loved life and she loved people. She was never content to be just a spectator watching life pass by. She lived! She helped people get involved and active! She made a great difference for the better in many people's lives. Could anything finer be said of any of us when we die?" Ruth will be greatly missed by those of us who knew her.

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MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING REGION IV, AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY

SHERATON CHARLOTTE AIRPORT HOTEL CHARLOTTE, N. C.

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2006 The meeting was called to order around 8:00p.m. by Regional Vice-President, Jerry Coates. Roy Epperson (Judges Committee) reported the loss of 2 judges, Ruth Walker and Rosalie Figge. He announced that the new Handbook would be ready in January, 2007. He reminded everyone that Tall Bearded Iris Training would take place at the Hull garden on Saturday morning. Mac Shawe (Membership Committee) sent a report enumerating 11 affiliates, 380 single memberships and 66 dual memberships. Region IV has 150 less people than a year ago. Anita Moran (Webmaster) has designed a web page for each of the affiliates. She requested information be sent regularly on a continuing basis for these pages. She is also preparing "rebloomer pages" and needs any information that would upgrade these. The affiliate reports were presented. Jack Loving sent a proposed budget for 2007. The AIS Photo Contest deadline is 8-31-06. Carrie Winter was asked to purchase a Jefferson Cup to be Awarded to the "out of region hybridizer" who introduced the best iris blooming in one or more of the tour gardens. Regional Vice-President Coates announced that the Region 3 - Region 4 Joint Fall Meeting would be October 6 - 7, 2006, in Gettysburg, Pa. at the Wyndham. Also the Francis Scott Key Iris Society will host the Spring Meeting, May 25 - 26, 2007 in Hunt Valley, Baltimore, Md. The National Board Meeting will be in November, 2007, in Raleigh-Durham with Susan Grigg of the Eastern North Carolina Iris Society as hostess. the meeting was adjourned. June Hood Secretary

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PROPOSED 2007 BUDGET FOR REGION 4 Expenditures Dollars Printing and Mailing Three (3) Issues of Newscast $3300.00 RVP Travel Expenses 600.00 Membership Committee – M. Shawe 250.00 Slides and Photography 500.00 Memorials 300.00 AIS Youth Program 100.00 Web Page 300.00 Miscellaneous Expenses 300.00 Total $5650.00 Submitted by: JACK W. LOVING

BUDGET 2007

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Toward the end of March, when Carrie told me she had telephoned Rosa-lie about this year’s Region 4 meeting and that Rosalie was not well, I thought of sending a note. Then I felt a need to call instead. I left a message on her home phone. Her daughter returned my call and gave me Rosalie’s number at the health care facility where she was receiv-ing therapy. It was good to hear her strong dis-tinctive voice. She expressed that she was glad I called and said she was pleased to be in what she termed “The very best facility in the area,” We had a most pleasant talk and recalled other times when we were together. Whether or not she re-ceived my follow up note is not important. Years ago (1982) when she, along with Bill and Claire Barr came to Charlotte to judge our show, they stayed at our house. During their stay she captured Richard’s admiration as well and he came to adore her. He loved their conversations regarding irises and was amazed that she knew and remembered each and every iris in her garden. When Richard had surgery at Johns Hopkins in 1987, she read the stress in my voice and insisted that she would take me to dinner. I had of course expected to spend each evening back across the street in Richard’s room but she was convincing and Richard said I should go. A few hours later she picked me up in front of the motel and drove me through Baltimore to the water-front and the most wonderful and Classy restaurant in all of Balti-more where the waiters knew her name. I was impressed and also recharged. I am privileged to have been a friend of Rosalie’s and in many ways she, without knowing it, was my mentor as I worked

Remembering Rosalie Figgie by Katharine Steele

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Even when she was in a crowded room her presence was felt. There was an aura that was Rosalie. She collected and wore lovely Iris patterned clothing to meetings and on tours. But, if she were to wear all beige, she would still be the most colorful person in the room or in the garden. She was gentle until the bidding began. At the auction, on iris rhizomes and iris artifacts, then it was combat on her terms. You couldn’t out bid a pro. Do your remember when she bought that iris bench, and then she had to get it home. Among hundreds of iris imprinted items, she even had an outdoor iris trash can! Her enthusiasm was contagious as was her passion The American Iris Society bene-fited greatly by her dedicated loyal support and Region 4 reveled in it. I don’t know a lot about her many, many other attributes or the causes that kept her busy; but I do know that she was multifaceted. Without Rosalie, our world of irises is diminished Words are inadequate.

Remembering Rosalie Figgie by Katharine Steele

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The Oregon Trail for Iris Anita Moran

WOW! Where to start? Okay, I admit it, I went early and not just to see other iris gardens. When the plane landed, the three nearest volcanoes, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Hood, stood like white jewels on a dark green background. It would be the last time I would see Mount Hood clearly, even though the window of my hotel room faced the volcano, the mist had moved in obstructing any clear sitting of the mountain. Oh did I forget to tell you that it was eight hours before I reached the hotel room. Ah. Well as soon as I landed I headed down to Salem to meet Denise Stewart, and off we went to Keith Keppel’s. You must un-derstand that when I left Maryland it was 35oF, when I arrived at the airport it was 92oF and hotter still at Keith’s. The gardens however were absolutely beautiful. Berry Blyth graciously gave Denise Stewart Judges training while I plodded along to listen. Thankfully, Keith was wise enough to have cold water handy for visitors and I took full advantage. After Denise completed her training it was off to Mid-America’s Siberian fields, but first a stop to get fresh off the tree avocados. What a treat. The following day I picked mom up from the airport and the gallivanting really began. There were the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, The Grotto, and by the time we got to the Chinese Garden we were burned out. The Grotto was the first stop; it was an amazing feat having such a large garden essentially atop a cliff that you needed to ride an elevator to get to. The Rhododendrons were in full bloom shade abounded so even in the heat we were comfortable. The wood carvings and statuary throughout the gardens were highlighted by a wide variety of plants, including versicolor and pseudocorus. The Japanese Garden was a wonderful experience. We were met at the bottom of the hill by a bus painted with what else, Japanese iris. The Water Walk would have been spectacular to see in the summer as it was surrounded by Japanese iris. We drove by the rose garden but decided not to stop since there was no bloom. It was getting late and food was highest on our minds and what better place to eat that China Town. After an excellent meal (much of went with us), we looked at the entrance to the Chinese garden but were just to pooped to continue, especially since mom and I had a long trip the next day. Photos by Anita Moran: 1. Grotto Carving, 2. I. tenax, 3. Japanese Garden Bus, 4. Water Walk in Japanese Garden

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The Oregon Trail for Iris (cont.) Mom wanted to see a long lost cousin that lived neat Bend Oregon, so off we went deciding on the longer route so that we had ample opportunities to see the country side. It was a wonderful trip that would normally take two to three hours and instead took six. We didn’t care, every little turn off was a park and every little part had an explosion of plants, yep including iris which Will Plottner kindly identified when we got back as Tenax. There were miles of wild roses, broom, blackberries in bloom and so many neither of us knew. Where’s Julia when you need her. Besides the plant life we were able to see Mount Bachelor, Mount Washington, and the Sisters. In the town of Sisters, we were planning to take an excursion to see Black Crater. Well the road was closed, which turned out to be a good thing as we were able to stop at a church which was filled with chainsaw carvings to include a nativity scene. A brief refill at McDonald’s and on we went. The next day, on the return trip, we went a different route and were treated to miles of Lupines along the side of the road. We made fewer stops but still managed the lava fields. Now it was time for what I was looking forward to most, a trip to Mount Saint Helen’s. According to my map there were two ways to get there a southern route and a northern route, well this

time I tried the shorter route. WRONG!, that road was closed as well and did not meet up with the road that would have taken us to Johnston’s Ridge any way so we had to back track all the way to the freeway to get to the Northern, CORRECT route. I had always heard that the river that ran in front of Mt. St. Helen’s was destroyed, Yet as we drove we found a back wash to the Toutle River that was vibrant filled with stands of huge lily pads with yellow flowers with stands of pseudocorus among the reeds. Although thousands of trees have been replanted the devas-tation was obvious very early. Apparently not everyone got the word that the volcano was still active and rumbling as we saw a newly built house in the shadow of the vol-cano. Waterfalls were every where and finally there was a place to pull off to see the volcano for the first time. Although Mother Nature is trying her best to heal, it was a waste land across most of the area in front of the blast zone. Yet animals have returned, including a little beggar who knew how to wrench food from you. Photos by Anita Moran: 1. Carving Nativity Scene, 2. Additional Chainsaw Carvings, 3. The Sisters; North Sister, South Sister, Broken Top 4. Mount Washington

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The Oregon Trail for Iris (cont.) Johnston Ridge was a revelation. It had taken less than 30 seconds for the blast to hit it and kill Dr. Johnston who was observing the mountain at the time of eruption. The film we saw was like living it all over again. When we went out for more pictures, we noticed that steam was still coming from the lava dome. It is a desolate area sur-rounded by lush forest and clear waterways. As we traveled back towards Portland, we saw the nuclear cooling tower that was slated for demolition the following day. Ah but the next day was destine for the Columbia River Gorge. An easy spring drive through cool shaded roads that were obviously paved in the early 1900s, guard rails, were 12” stone or none at all, and cliffs hun-dreds of feet high. The draw for the gorge, were the waterfalls and the view of the Columbia River. The first waterfall we stopped at was the Bridal Veil Falls. You could, take the wild flower tour it was only ½ mile, but then it was only 2/3 mile to the falls. They don’t tell you it is steep, very steep. Mom was game and luck would have it that benches were placed strategically on the path. After the third leg mom decided that Photos by Anita Moran: 1. I. pseudocorus in Toutle River , 2. new house on Mount St. Helen Slope, 3. Begging Chipmunk, 4. Devastation of Mount St. Helen Area, 5. Lava dome still releasing steam.

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The Oregon Trail for Iris (cont.) although she would probably get down, getting up might be a problem. As much as I wanted to stay at the bench myself, I trooped down to get pictures of the falls for mom. The down was easy, but I was real happy to see those benches on the way up. The next falls were the Wahkeena Falls, ah, but I cheated and took the pic-tures from the car. The Multnomah Falls is the big draw and so we parked. There was a gift shop and a small restaurant. After taking the pictures of the falls, we decided to get a snack. Berry tarts are not something I am used to, but my they sure hit the spot with the herbal tea that was served. In the gift shop they gave us a map that showed an outlook for Mount Hood which had remained elusive.

Ignoring the rest of the gorge, we headed for the Mt. Hood lookout. Well, we saw it and it was not shrouded in mist, however the peak was blocked by a cloud bank. Well it was getting late and we wanted to drive home on the Washington side of the river. Well it was time for the garden tours; however, I was now a co-bus captain, ah so much for the relaxa-tion. Denise was actually the bus captain I was just support and a loud voice. The gardens were beautiful that first day. Arriving a Cooley’s we were treated to a wonderful breakfast that was there even if we de-cided to do the garden first. With the sun out with passing clouds, these would be the best pictures I would get. Even as we toured the gardens the work-ers, were dead heading and cleaning to make sure we were able to get the best pictures. Photos by Anita Moran: 1. Bridal Veil Falls, 2. Wahkeena Falls, 3Multnomah Falls, 4. Coolie’s Garden

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After Cooley’s everything went down hill. The rain began and did not let up for the rest of the tours often times coming down in sheets. I have never seen such gung-ho people in all my life. Even mom was out with her little notebook making sure she made the best choices. At Wildwood we had the option of taking part in an experiment on judging, whether or not you were an AIS judge. Hmmm, wonder how that turned out. The following day the rain continued as we headed for Aiken’s of Salmon Creek. We had a light drizzle when we arrived that turned into a torrential down pour. I lost mom and already there had been some slips, so I was frantic as I looked in the lower gar-dens. Finally I looked in the greenhouse, never guess who I found. Yep mom was in the greenhouse with just about everyone else ad-miring the various orchids that filled every available space. The color combinations were spectacular and the sizes from less than an inch to more and five inches. When the rain turned to drizzle again many braved the elements again to go back out in the garden. After one final trip through the gardens were headed to the buses, and off to the Ludi Garden. How wonderful the rain stopped but then the winds came. Still it was better than the constant pounding. Despite the rain the irises were in good shape and I was able to get great shots including one that I think I will submit to the AIS photo con-test. The Collier Garden was next and as we were winding our way through the great and unusual garden layout, the rains returned and with a vengeance so that many sought shelter again. When we ar-rived at the Harris garden, the rain was reduced to a low insistent drizzle with and occasional burst. Looking over the garden was the back drop of the Columbia River Gorge. For the second day in a row it was a wet tired group that arrived back at the hotel. Photos by Anita Moran: 1. Wildwood Garden, 2. Aitken’s of Salmon Creek, 3. Ludi Garden, 4. Collier’s Garden

The Oregon Trail for Iris (cont.)

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The Oregon Trail for Iris (cont.) Saturday started the same with rain. We arrived at Schreiner’s with was heavy drizzle but nothing to keep you out of the garden and there was the inevitable hot tea to keep us warmer and it was surely welcome. The display gardens were lovely with many interesting plants, many which were for sale. There was a barn filled with cut flowers which made tak-ing pictures a little easier but for the guest were out in the garden. The gift shop and other areas gave us a reason to get out of the wet for a while but we always gravitated back to the irises. It was then in to Mud-America (Paul’s words not mine). They tried so hard and I am sure the tour before ours had seen the spectacular bloom I had seen the week be-fore, however, the rain, which continued, made the walking was tenuous at best and I was thankful that Paul and Tom provided transportation so mom could ride up to the hosta house, which we spent a lot of time in. I did not know there were so many different types of hostas, even tiny little one with leaves about an inch. Paul and Tom were both very gra-cious and apologized for something they had no control over. But I was glad I saw the gardens the week before. Despite the rain I had a wonderful time in Oregon and can not wait to return. I thank all the garden owners for their hard work, for they all had something to keep us occupied when the rain became too much. The Franklin Cook Cup went to a well deserving Miniature Tall Bearded “Sailor's Dream” by Ken Fisher and the President’s Cup went to “High Chaparral” by Schreiner’s.

Photos by Anita Moran: 1. Schreiner’s Garden, 2. Mid-America Metal Sign, 3. Big Mama Hosta in Mid-American Hosta house, 4. Sailor’s Dream Cook Cup Winner, 5. High Chaparral President Cup Winner

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CHARLOTTE IRIS SOCIETY President June Hood

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN IRIS SOCIETY CHAPTER REPORT Danee Hover , President

The mountains of western North Carolina had a mild winter followed by a spring that had frost-free days one-month prior to the last frost-free date. We had a nice progression of things un-fortunately blooms started two weeks in advance. Our show date was scheduled to accommo-date our regional spring meeting and show. This delay in our usual show date along with our early spring forced us to cancel our May 13th show. Canceling was a great disappointment to the general public and us. June brought better times with a Japanese Exhibit at the Opportunity House on June 9th. Forty blooms were placed out for the general public. In the past our Japanese Show lasted two days. One day was planned for our exhibit but the Opportunity House asked if we could leave the exhibit one more day because they expected a number of people to use their facility the follow-ing day. We were happy to comply. August 12th will be our Iris Sale and Auction at the First Congregational Church.

Region 4 Affiliates

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CHESAPEAKE & POTOMAC IRIS SOCIETY President: Dave Stoll

Region 4 Affiliates

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA IRIS SOCIETY CHAPTER REPORT President: Susan Griggs

Saturday, January 21st was our planning luncheon at the Crabtree Marriott in Raleigh. Plans were made for our Spring program on Ap[ril 22nd with Mike Lowe of Blackstone Virginia, who gave an excellent program on his photography. On Saturday, July 29th our first iris sales will be held at Randy’s Iris Garden, 10901 Falls of the Neuse road in Raleigh. Please come with friends and your checkbook. Our Harvest Lunch and final meeting for the year will be in early November. New officers will begin terms in August. They are Susan Griggs, President; Donna Shields, Vice President; Jill Haizlip, Secretary and Dr. E. Roy Epperson, Treasurer. Submitted by Susan Griggs

Well here it is July, the days are now getting shorter and the back to school is just around the corner. We had another very successful garden tour this spring. An especially big thanks to the Naylor's for hosting a barbecue at the end of our tour. It was interesting to see the wide range of microclimates within our geographic region. We saw some interesting seedlings from Griff Crump's and my gardens; The Jones's and Margaret Thomas's gardens were gorgeous. The Nay-lor's garden is always beautiful and they grow some of the largest and prettiest flowers. Our Iris show in May was very successful; we got to see lots of different irises as well as seedlings that may be intro-duces in the next couple of years. The location at Meadowlark Gardens is ideal. We had a lot of visitors and recruited some new members. The grounds are gorgeous and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I can't wait to go there again. The Spoons awarded Brittany Stoll a red pair of tweezers with her name engraved on it for all of her help with the youth hybridizing clinics. Thanks to the Spoons for letting us invade their garden once again. The hybridizing clinic was a great success. I haven't heard from anyone at the 05 clinic to see how their seedlings did. (Alan Moore said he had great success with his seedlings from 2005. He potted them up and sprinkled pink needles over them, editor). I do have some seedlings that are growing. After an initial class, a question and answer session was taught by Brittany Stoll, then, we divided up into pairs and went at it. There was an experienced hybridizer paired with those less experienced to show those who weren't as confident. What was entertaining was watching the youth members' race for the same plant. Ru-mor has it a couple of the girls found a toad--not sure which one kissed it in search of their elusive prince. We also got a sneak peak at some of Don and Ginny's newest introductions. I think we're also going to have chocolate pie again at the September picnic--you don't want to miss that. Speaking of which, now is the time to dig your iris to thin, move or bring to our sale. We can use any extra rhizomes at our annual sale. This would also be the perfect opportunity to get some newer varieties of iris for your garden. The sale is at Meadowlark on the 22nd. If you like you can join us for a potluck lunch. When you come why not bring a friend? If they sign up for a year membership then they'll "Iris Bucks" which they can use right there at the sale. What they get back in Iris bucks can be used there at the show for flowers for their yard and it comers most of their cost for the membership fees. Also, the American Iris Society is running a promotional. If someone signs up or renews for three years then the AIS will send them a 2006 plant. If you've already paid for a year, you can write a note and send in the difference between your one-year and the three-year. For more detains please refer to your AIS Bulletin. In September we're having our annual potluck (and short members meeting) picnic at the Jones's. We've always had great food, good company and a large area for the children to run and play. Happy irising and see you on the 22nd of July, David

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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY IRIS SOCIETY CHAPTER REPORT President: DORIS REBERT

Region 4 Affiliates

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Region 4 Affiliates

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FREDERICKSBURG AREA IRIS SOCIETY CHAPTER REPORT President: Jim Schroetter

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AIS 2006 Awards DYKES MEMORIAL MEDAL

79 SEA POWER (Keith Keppel) JOHN C. WISTER MEDAL (TB) 108 QUEEN’S CIRCLE (Frederick Kerr) 103 GOLDEN PANTHER (Richard Tasco) 95 HAPPENSTANCE (Keith Keppel) KNOWLTON MEDAL (BB) 88 ANACONDA LOVE (Brad Kasperek)

HANS AND JACOB SASS MEDAL (IB)

122 MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Lowell Baumunk) WILLIAMSON-WHITE MEDAL (MTB) 84 BAUBLES AND BEADS (Lynda Miller) COOK-DOUGLAS MEDAL (SDB)

54 RUBY ERUPTION (Chuck Chapman) CAPARNE-WELCH MEDAL (MDB)

64 AFRICAN WINE (Brad Kasperek) CLARENCE G. WHITE MEDAL (AR & AB) (Pure aril and arilbred irises of ½ or more aril content) 82 OMAR’S STITICHERY (Carl Boswell)

WILLIAM MOHR MEDAL (AB) (Arilbred irises of ¼ but less than ½ aril content) (Total votes cast = 128)

57 WALKER ROSS (Walker Ross by Chuck Chapman)

FOUNDERS OF SIGNA MEDAL (SPEC)

39 JOHN WOOD (John Wood by Everette Lineberger)

RANDOLPH-PERRY MEDAL (SPEC-X)

(No Award in 2006)

SYDNEY B. MITCHELL MEDAL

(CA)

13 COZUMEL (Joseph Ghio) DEBAILLON MEDAL (LA)

39 PEACHES IN WINE (Heather Pryor) MORGAN-WOOD MEDAL (SIB)

108 RIVERDANCE (Marty Schafer & Jan Sacks) ERIC NIES MEDAL (SPU) (Total votes cast = 182)

61 ADRIATIC BLUE (O.D. Niswonger) PAYNE MEDAL (JI) (Total votes cast = ) To be determined after August 1.

WALTHER CUP (Most HM votes in any category) 135 DECADENCE TB (Barry Blyth)

Youth Corner:

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At the 2006 convention there were many ideas floating around in many different groups about getting the youth interested in irises and the iris culture. The Spoons have had yearly hy-bridization clinics, many have given speeches to classes. How many of you remember grow-ing beans in a jar or an avocado seed with tooth picks or even a potato. All these class projects in grade school were enjoyable and fun but they were also quick to produce results. What if seeds were given to grade school children that they could take to the next grade level. I have not talked to the school teachers or the principle on the practicality of this but it might be something to think of during the summer months before the children go back to school.

AIS 2006 Awards In Region 4

FOUNDERS OF SIGNA MEDAL (SPEC) Runners-up: 26 SYLVANSHINE (Clarence Mahan & Carol Warner)

AWARD OF MERIT

TALL BEARDED Runners-up:

44 LADY OF LEONESS (Donald Spoon) MINIATURE TALL BEARDED 115 MASLON (Donald Spoon) HONORABLE MENTION

TALL BEARDED 31 SECONDHAND ROSE (Ginny Spoon) STANDARD DWARF BEARDED 24 ROSALIE LOVING (Donald Spoon) MINIATURE DWARF BEARDED 27 SPIDERWEB (Donald Spoon) 46 TWELFTH KNIGHT (Carol Warner)

WEB NEWS

Your Region 4 Web Address www.irisregion4.com

Sorry about the delays in updating the web page I will work on it in August. So much to do an so little time it seems like. Please send your photos and anything else you would like to see on your section or in any other part of the web page. Send me pictures of your shows and winners. Take photos of those rebloomers and if you have a rebloom that is not on the list please let us know. The entire listing of the 2006 AIS winners will be listed on the Newscast page hopefully by the time you get this. Thank you all for you patience. Anita

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FALL REGIONAL 2006

AN NVITATION REGION III & REGION IV JOINT FALL CONFERENCE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH., 2006 WYNDHAM GETTYSBURG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

The honor of your presence is requested for the very FIRST Joint Regional Conference hosted by Region III and Region IV in Historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, October 6th and 7th. By holding the meeting on the "Mason-Dixon Line," we will be located conveniently for all Affiliates, and offer the added dimension of The Historic Gettysburg Area. Headquarters: the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel and Conference Center is a brand new facility, actually opening in August, 2006. All facilities will be available "on site," and free shuttles are available to additional shopping, historic sites, museums, etc. Garden Tour: The Bus Tour Saturday will include The Seton Shrine Center, Basilica & Historic Buildings (America's only Saint, Elizabeth Seton), South of the Mason-Dixon Line; followed by Ken and Joan Roberts Gar-den (Famous for Reblooming Irises) including Garden Judges Training, North of the Mason-Dixon Line. Reblooming Iris Show: With two Regions represented, we should see some good stalks. Bring all the bloom you can as show chair-men Sylvia Smith-Deck and Carol Warner will have everything ready for your entries. Judges Training: There will be both classroom and garden training available. Auction: We will have both a plant auction Friday night and a Silent Auction. Bring any and all items you wish for either auction. Maryann Coates is in charge of the Silent Auction and will answer any questions you have in advance at 301-662-1664. The proceeds from both auctions will be split 50/50 between Region III and Region IV. Guest Speaker: George Sutton will be our speaker on Saturday Night, and may have a Friday Night Surprise for us too.

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AIS Region III & IV FALL 2006 Convention Friday, October 6th & Saturday October 7th, 2006

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

REGISTRATION FORM Name (1)_________________________Chapter (1)_________________

Name Preferred on Nametag (1)_____________________________

Name (2)_________________________Chapter (2)_________________

Name Preferred on Nametag (2)________________________________

Street Address ______________________________________________

City _________________________________ State _______ Zip _________ phone _____________________ E-mail _______________________________(optional) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HOTEL: Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel and Conference Center, 95 Presidential Circle Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: 717-339-0020 Fax: 717-339-0060 Road directions are at the bottom of this form

The rate of $129.00 The hotel will hold a block of rooms at this rate until September 6, 2006,

please mention AIS when reserving rooms >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Full Registration: $95.00 X ________ persons = $ ___________ Youth Registration: $50.00 X ________ persons = $ ___________ Total = $ ___________

(This includes Welcome Banquet, Speaker, Judges Training, Meeting Rooms, Tour Buses and Gardens) After September 1, 2006 the registration fee will be $109.00 .

Send completed Registration Form and Check made payable to AIS Fall Convention to: Mail to: Additional Information:

Carol Warner Jerry Coates 301-663-1113

16815 Falls Road jcoates694@aol.com Upoperco, MD 21155 Jason Leader 717-428-2068 jaleader@aol.com >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From Harrisburg Take US-15 S. Exit US-30 (York Road) and go Northeast for .5 miles. Turn right into Gateway Gettysburg. From Washington, DC/ Frederick From I-495 / CAPITAL BELTWAY take I-270 N toward ROCKVILLE / FREDERICK. I-270 N becomes US-40 W. at FREDERICK, MD. US-40 W becomes US-15 N. Exit US-30 (York Road) and go Northeast for .5 miles. Turn right into Gateway Gettysburg. From Baltimore Take I-695 W to 70 N. In Frederick exit US-15 N. Exit US-30 (York Road) and go Northeast for .5 miles. Turn right into Gateway Gettysburg.

AIS Region III & IV FALL 2006 ConventionAIS Region III & IV FALL 2006 ConventionAIS Region III & IV FALL 2006 ConventionAIS Region III & IV FALL 2006 Convention Friday, October 6Friday, October 6Friday, October 6Friday, October 6thththth & Saturday October 7& Saturday October 7& Saturday October 7& Saturday October 7thththth, 2006, 2006, 2006, 2006

Gettysburg, PennsylvaniaGettysburg, PennsylvaniaGettysburg, PennsylvaniaGettysburg, Pennsylvania

Schedule of EventsSchedule of EventsSchedule of EventsSchedule of Events

Anita Moran Newscast Editor C/o Winterberry Gardens 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 4

Cross Junction, VA